U.S. patent application number 12/660298 was filed with the patent office on 2010-12-30 for interconnected claw post.
Invention is credited to Donald Kevin Wedertz.
Application Number | 20100326367 12/660298 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43379351 |
Filed Date | 2010-12-30 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20100326367 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wedertz; Donald Kevin |
December 30, 2010 |
Interconnected claw post
Abstract
This interconnected claw post is made so each piece can be
replaced. The cat owner now has options to choose a carpet color
and thickness they may want to, use to replace carpet on the base,
vertical tube or platform that needs replacing on the
interconnected claw post. Carpet that covers the interconnected
claw post's vertical piece can also be used to cover worn carpet on
a vertical piece of a different manufactured claw post or cover a
worn vertical section on a cat tree, thereby preserving the
functionality of different manufactured claw posts. The consumer
can now enjoy options and save money.
Inventors: |
Wedertz; Donald Kevin; (San
Mateo, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Donald K. Wedertz
2311 S. Norfolk St.
San Mateo
CA
94403
US
|
Family ID: |
43379351 |
Appl. No.: |
12/660298 |
Filed: |
February 24, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61209679 |
Mar 10, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
119/706 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 15/024
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
119/706 |
International
Class: |
A01K 15/02 20060101
A01K015/02 |
Claims
1. This cat clawing apparatus is comprised of six (6) independent,
interconnected and replaceable pieces; whereby the first on piece
is named the base which lays flat on the floor and employs a
coupler that is attached to its upper surface; near its center
area, connecting to a second (2.sup.nd) piece named the post, which
can be a solid material or hollow tubing, having two ends, where
either end can connect to the base coupler to support the post in
an upright manner, where its longitudinal axis is perpendicular to
the base plane, for so named post's upper edge connects to another
coupler that is to and supports a third (3.sup.rd) piece namely a
platform, which can be manually rotated slowly in 360 degrees about
its horizontal axis while a fourth (4.sup.th) piece known as the
pocket carpet of fibrous matted material, covers the platform for
one or multiple cats to rest on, play on, or claws the carpeted
area and so named pocket carpet is created by folding carpet in
half, so the upper and lower surfaces lay on each other to show six
outer edges; whereby four (4) are sealed to become two side seams,
while two other outer edges remain unsealed, thereby producing an
open area or air pocket between the two side seams which determines
the front area of pocket carpet which easily slides onto and covers
the platform and when its top surface needs replacing, slide the
entire pocket carpet off, turn it over, so bottom surface becomes
the new top surface and slide the pocket carpet back on as a fifth
(5) replaceable piece namely a base carpet, covers the base, for
one or more cats to rest on, play on or claw at and for the base
carpet to lay flat on the base, it's center area has a circular
opening for the post to access the base coupler and such opening
has an edge that leads to a separation of material or open seam
which extends outward towards the carpets very outer edge to
facilitate carpet removal from the base, from around its coupler
and from around the post as the sixth (6.sup.th) piece named the
carpet tube; a matted fibrous material, covers the post for clawing
and so named carpet is formed into a hollow tube, where its
end-edges meet, Velcro strips are affixed onto and along the
end-edges to close hollow tube, whereby tube slides onto post or if
the tube is already closed, its two end-edges can be separated and
wrap the material around the post, then reconnect its end-edges to
close hollow tube around the post.
2. The cat clawing apparatus of claim 1 whereby the carpet tube can
renew a different manufactured claw post by covering over its
worn-out carpeted post.
3. The cat clawing apparatus of claim 2 whereby the carpet tube can
open and wrap around a worn-out vertical section of carpet on a cat
tree, thereby renewing its functionality.
Description
[0001] This description is referenced to Provisional application
Ser. No.: 61/209,679 dated: Mar. 10, 2009. My invention is called
the "Interconnected Claw Post", featuring six (6) interconnected
parts, whereby each part is replaceable and so named: the base, the
base carpet, the tube-post, the carpet tube, the platform, and the
pocket carpet.
[0002] The base is the bottom piece that rests on the floor. The
base can be made of many materials. FIG. 1 shows an exploded view
of the interconnected claw post. Numeral 1shows a frontal view the
base shape. Numeral 1A shows a frontal view of the coupler attached
to the base's top surface in the middle area, for interconnecting
purposes. Numeral 1B shows a Velcro strip near a corner; that is
typical at each corner, while other strips are near and parallel to
the base's outer edges and between the coupler and outer edge.
[0003] FIG. 2 is an exploded view showing the right side. Numeral 1
shows a view of the base. Numeral 1A shows the base coupler, as
numeral 1B shows Velcro strips near a corner, while other strips
are near and parallel the base's outer edge and between the coupler
and outer edge. All strips hold a base covering in place. FIG. 3,
numeral 1 shows the base's right profile view, as numeral 1A shows
a right profile of its coupler.
[0004] This carpet covers the base for cat activity. When worn out,
it is replaceable. If a room's color and/or furniture decor change,
the base carpet can be changed to coordinate with the room's
color/decor. FIG. 1, numeral 2 shows a frontal view of the base
carpet. Numeral 2A shows a separation of carpet or open seam,
pealed back and away from each other; midway along the carpets
width. The opening spans from the outer edge to an open circular
area where the base coupler interconnects with a hollow tube. The
hollow tube is referred to as a tube-post in the descriptive
progression. Numeral 2A also shows a Velcro strip on the back matt;
paralleling the open seam's edge. This is on the opposite seam's
edge too. Numeral 2B shows a corner of carpet pulled back to reveal
Velcro strips near a corner's back matted area. This is typical
near each corner area.
[0005] FIG. 2, numeral 2 shows the base carpet's right view.
Numeral 2A shows a separation of carpet opened slightly to show its
edges. When the carpet lays flat on the base, the open seam edges
are held close-together via underlying Velcro strips on the bottom
matted surface forms an invisible seam; FIG. 11 shows. The base
carpets Velcro mate with the base Velcro; thereby blending the seam
area with the surrounding carpet. FIG. 2, numeral 2B shows a corner
of carpet pulled back to reveal Velcro strips on the back matt,
near the corner's area.
[0006] FIG. 4, numeral 2 shows a plan view of the base carpet's
bottom matted surface. Numeral 2A shows the separation of carpet's
outer corners and its open seam leading to the open circular area.
Numeral 2B shows Velcro strips near a corner of carpet; typical
near all corners. Other strips are uniformly placed along the
carpet's outer edge and along the separation of carpet edges. The
open circular area does not need Velcro. When the carpet needs to
be replaced, it is easy to find a corner of the separation of
carpet at FIG. 4, numeral 2A. Pull either corner up and off from
the underlying base Velcro strip, to open the seam and the rest of
the carpet follows to come off and from around the tube-post within
seconds. Installation is a reversal of this process.
[0007] FIG. 1, numeral 3 shows the tube-post frontal view; as its
lower-middle section is slightly obscured by the base carpet,
depicting the tube-post's lower area has passed through an open
space in the base carpet's middle area. FIG. 2, numeral 3 shows a
right view of the tube-post passing through the base carpets middle
area. FIG. 3, numeral 3 shows the tube-post's right profile. Either
end of the tube-post can interconnect with the base coupler while
the opposite end can be capped off; with a flat cover, or remain
open to support a platform. Numeral 3A shows a cross section of the
tube-post's upper area as the platform coupler enters. The
elongated hollow tube is very sturdy as a light weight post.
[0008] This hollow tube-post interconnects to the base coupler to
stand up-right and provides a vertical form for a covering, for cat
activity. The top area of the hollow tube can support a platform as
an optional piece. The tube-post is replaceable and can be made
from numerous materials. A hard ABS hollow tubular material is most
popular for its light weight and sturdiness. Either end of the
tube-post can connect to the base coupler, while the opposite end
can remain bare, be capped off, or be useable for other
attachments.
[0009] FIG. 1, numeral 4 shows the carpet tube's frontal view and
vertical seam open. This carpet completely covers the tube-post for
one or more cats to grab onto and stretch out, rub against and
claw. When worn out, the carpet tube is replaceable. When a room's
color and/or furniture decor change, the carpet tube can be changed
also, to coordinate with the room. This carpet tube can also
preserve the functionality of a different manufactured claw post or
scratcher post and a cat tree by covering over their worn vertical
piece or worn vertical section of a cat tree.
[0010] FIG. 2, numeral 4 shows the carpet tube's left view. This
angle also shows the carpet Velcro connections; near the top, are
partially open. FIG. 5, numeral 4A; pg.4 of 6 drawings, shows a
plan view of the carpet tube lying flat and completely open with
its matted side up. Numeral 4B shows the carpet's upper left corner
is pulled up and towards the carpet's imaginary vertical
center-line; at a 180 degree diagonal angle from its original flat
position, to reveal the top surface of Velcro immediately next to
and following along the carpet's end-edge.
[0011] Half of the Velcro's width is hidden, but attached to the
carpet's back matted surface, while the other half visibly extends
beyond the carpets end-edge. Its length begins at the carpets
corner and matches the carpets length. Numeral 4C shows the
Velcro's width, relative to the carpet's end-edge position
underneath. Numeral 4D shows the carpet's lower left corner and
Velcro strip meet exactly.
[0012] Numeral 4E shows the opposite end of the carpet laying flat
and a Velcro's top surface facing up, as one edge is exactly next
to and parallels the carpets end-edge length; whereby, the Velcro's
back surface area is attached to the carpets matt.
[0013] FIG. 6, numeral 4F, shows the carpet is curled into a tube;
hence the term . . . "Carpet Tube" and numeral 4G shows a seam
depicting both carpet ends are held together via underlying Velcro
strips. Holding the carpet ends together, results in vertical
structure stability for the carpet, to stand upright on its own.
Numeral 7 is a circular dotted area to focus on an uncovered matted
edge. FIG. 7 shows a magnification of that area to be covered and
two Velcro strips awaiting connection.
[0014] Covering or binding the carpet's matted edge prevents fibers
from unraveling and also prevents any finger or skin from abrasion
if they inadvertently rubbed against or moved along the matt's
rough surface. To remove the carpet tube, slide it up and off the
tube-post or separate its Velcro strips and unwrap the carpet from
around the post. FIG. 9, numeral 4H; pg.5 of 6 drawings, shows
carpet tube open and in position to cover a worn vertical piece of
a different manufactured claw post or scratcher post. FIG. 10,
numeral 41 shows the carpet tube wrapped around a worn vertical
section on a cat tree, thereby preserving its functionality.
[0015] FIG. 1, numeral 5 shows the platform's frontal view with its
lower associated pieces. This platform sits on top of the tube-post
and can be rotated in 360 degrees for limited space purposes or
remain off at the owner's discretion. It is covered with
replace-able carpet that provides a play or rest area and can be
clawed by one or more cats.
[0016] FIG. 1, numeral 5B is the lower framework "spacer". It
creates room between the platform and the lower framework for a
covering to slide into position and envelope both surfaces of the
platform. Numeral 5C is the lower framework that attaches to the
spacer. Numeral 5D is the platform coupler. It rests inside the
top-area of the tube-post to pre-vent the platform from rocking
back and forth.
[0017] FIG. 2, numeral 5, shows a right perspective view of the
platform and its associated parts however, the framework's full
side view is obstructed by the platform. FIG. 2, numeral 5A shows
the platform's aft tab area. This is an integral area that provides
a lower surface for the framework; numeral 5C, and its spacer;
numeral 5B to connect to. Numeral 5D is a lower view of the
platform coupler. Its upper section is obstructed by the platform.
FIG. 3, numeral 5D; pg. 3 of 6 drawings, shows a cross section of
the coupler as it connects to the platform's lower framework and
rests in the top of the tube-post. The coupler interconnects inside
the top area of the tube-post is deep enough to provide stability
about the platform's vertical axis, as its flange controls
horizontal stability when the platform is either still or turned.
Numeral 5E shows a side view of the "space" between the framework
and the platform. Numeral 5F shows arrows depicting the platform's
plane of rotation about a horizontal plane.
[0018] FIG. 1, numeral 6 shows the pocket carpet's front view. The
pocket carpet covers the platform by sliding on it and enveloping
its entire top and bottom surface so one or more cats can rest or
play on it and claw it. Any carpet material can be used when cut to
size and folded in half to produce a top and bottom piece; two
useable surfaces.
[0019] FIG. 2, numeral 6 shows a left perspective view of the
pocket carpet as it is nearly halfway on the platform. FIG. 8,
numeral 6 shows the pocket carpet folded; whereby it's top surface
is laying on the bottom surface. FIG. 8, numeral 6A shows both left
and right side seam front edges. Any matted carpet can be used and
as the length is folded in half, two layers distinguish a top and
bottom surface as well as distinguishing a left and right side, a
front area opposite the folded side. Both top and bottom end-edges
of the left and rights sides are sealed, as the remaining two edges
at numeral 6B are unsealed to form an air space or pocket of air,
hence the term . . . "Pocket Carpet". Numeral 6B also identifies
the aft area. To cover the platform, the pocket area is opened
slightly and positioned near the platform's left or right front
corner.
[0020] After the pocket area begins to cover a corner, its matted
surface will lay on top of the platform's surface and the carpet
can slide over the platform's entire surface, until the pocket
carpet completely envelopes the platform. FIG. 2, numeral 6 shows
the pocket carpet's position is halfway on the platform.
[0021] When the carpet needs to be replaced, slide it completely
off, turn the carpet over, so the bottom surface becomes the "new"
top surface and slide the carpet back on. The platform is available
for use. FIG. 11 shows the interconnected claw post is ready!
* * * * *